intertranslation

Intertranslation refers to the process of translating a text from a source language into a target language, where neither the source text nor the target text is the original language of the author. This often occurs when a text is translated multiple times, moving from language A to language B, then from language B to language C, and so on. The final translation, from language B to language C in this example, would be an intertranslation.

This practice can arise for various reasons. Sometimes, a translator may be more proficient in a particular language pair than the original source-target pair. Availability of translators or the need to access information quickly can also lead to intertranslation. Additionally, historical texts might have been translated and re-translated over centuries, with later translations being based on earlier translated versions rather than the original.

The primary concern with intertranslation is the potential for accuracy to degrade with each subsequent translation. Nuances, idiomatic expressions, and cultural contexts can be lost or misinterpreted as they pass through multiple linguistic filters. This can lead to a final text that deviates significantly from the original intent and meaning of the source material. While intertranslation can be a practical solution in certain circumstances, it is generally considered less ideal than direct translation from the source language.